Tag Archives: Lotion

What began as a hobby making bath and body products as Christmas gifts turned into a business for Beth Engelhardt of the Old Town Soap Co. She sells handmade soaps, lotions, candles, body sprays, lip products, beard oils, bath bombs, lotion rollups and wax melts at her shop in China Grove and at various festivals such as Kaleidoscope in Kannapolis.

Old Town Soap Co. was a presence at every Kaleidoscope event last year. “It’s just an awesome event for everyone who makes handcrafted items to sell for people to enjoy,” Engelhardt said. “It’s always a fun, upbeat atmosphere, with music, food and fun!”

To create her line of handmade items, Engelhardt does extensive research to learn about the best butters, essential oils and other ingredients to use in each product. She’s formulated moisturizing soaps, a bar for teens and others with acne-prone skin, and even “You Dirty Dog,” a shampoo bar for dogs.

“I love making things and being creative,” Engelhardt said. “I can get lost in Hobby Lobby for hours. When I tell my husband that’s where I’m headed, he always threatens to take my credit card.”